Equine Colic: Prevention and Welfare Management

Colic is the most common cause of death in domestic horses and ponies, causing significant pain and requiring prompt veterinary attention for many cases.

Key Facts

Colic is a collective term for abdominal pain with many different causes
An estimated 10% of horses experience colic each year in the UK
Severity ranges from mild spasm that resolves within hours to life-threatening displacements
Risk factors include sudden diet changes, lack of access to water, stress, and intestinal parasites
Surgical treatment of severe colic carries costs of several thousand pounds and significant risk

Welfare Considerations

Colic causes pain ranging from mild discomfort to severe, unrelenting agony. Horses with severe colic show rolling, looking at their flanks, pawing, and refusal to eat. Without treatment, severe cases lead to shock and death from internal rupture or intestinal compromise. Early veterinary assessment significantly improves outcomes. Management practices including gradual diet changes, continuous water access, and regular worming reduce the incidence of the most preventable types.

What You Can Do

Learn to recognise early colic signs and contact your vet promptly
Ensure horses have continuous access to clean water
Introduce dietary changes gradually over 2-3 weeks
Maintain a consistent worming programme with resistance testing
Establish a relationship with an equine vet before emergencies arise